The ‘Dr Dave’ series is an initiative of the Murray-Darling Association and Burrumbuttock Public School.
The videos were generously supported and funded by the Murray Catchment Management Authority, Caring For Our Country, Landcare NSW, Communities in Landscape, Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the NAB Schools First program.
The Box-Gum Grassy Woodland series consists of the following videos and their accompanying activity sheets.
Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands are a very special part of the landscape of eastern Australia. They consist of large scattered eucalypt trees, native grasses and wildflowers. Most of these woodlands have been cleared to become highly productive farms. In fact, so much land has been cleared that only about 5 per cent of these woodlands have survived and they are now listed as endangered.
Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands provide homes for native animals, birds, reptiles and insects. One of the quietest, slowest, but more commonly-seen reptiles is the Eastern Blue-Tongue Lizard.
The large scattered eucalypt trees, native grasses and wildflowers of Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands provide homes for native animals, birds, reptiles and insects. One of the very special animals (or mammal) is the Squirrel Glider.
The rocky outcrops and hills of Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands provide important homes for native animals, birds, reptiles and insects. One of the lesser-known and very shy, but endangered, reptiles is the Murray-Darling Carpet Python.
Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands consist of large scattered eucalypt trees, native grasses and wildflowers. These woodlands were, and still are, a rich source of food, medicines, shelter, firewood and tools for Aboriginal people. The woodlands also have cultural and spiritual significance.
At first, Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands may appear to be just large scattered eucalypt trees, native grasses and wildflowers. But they consist of many ‘layers’ of wildlife and diverse animals, plants and birds.
Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands provide homes for native animals, birds and reptiles. Some of the animals that you can find in Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands make great pets.
Even though Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands only survive in small areas, they are very important – they stop soil erosion and salinity; and provide homes for native animals, birds, reptiles and insects. But they are under threat and need our help to survive and continue to provide benefits for farmers, the environment and communities.